Abstract: This invention relates to aggrecanase polypeptides and aggrecanase polypeptide/ligand complexes, crystals of aggrecanase and aggrecanase polypeptide/ligand complexes, and related methods and software systems.

Abstract: Truncated aggrecanase proteins and nucleotides sequences encoding them as well as processes for producing them are disclosed. Additionally, aggrecanases with amino acid mutations that lead to increased stability and expression levels in comparison with wild-type or native aggrecanases are also disclosed. Aggrecanases of the invention are especially useful for development of compositions for treatment of diseases such as osteoarthritis. Methods for developing inhibitors of the aggrecanase enzymes and antibodies to the enzymes for treatment of conditions characterized by the degradation of aggrecan are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel aggrecanase proteins and the nucleotide sequences encoding them as well as processes for producing them are disclosed. Methods of identifying and developing inhibitors of the aggrecanase enzymes and antibodies to the enzymes for treatment of conditions characterized by the degradation of aggrecan are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to aggrecanase polypeptides and aggrecanase polypeptide/ligand complexes, crystals of aggrecanase and aggrecanase polypeptide/ligand complexes, and related methods and software systems.

Abstract: Novel polynucleotides and the proteins encoded thereby are disclosed.

Abstract: Truncated aggrecanase proteins and nucleotides sequences encoding them as well as processes for producing them are disclosed. Additionally, aggrecanases with amino acid mutations that lead to increased stability and expression levels in comparison with wild-type or native aggrecanases are also disclosed. Aggrecanases of the invention are especially useful for development of compositions for treatment of diseases such as osteoarthritis. Methods for developing inhibitors of the aggrecanase enzymes and antibodies to the enzymes for treatment of conditions characterized by the degradation of aggrecan are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified ADAMTS4 proteins having improved stability comparing to the corresponding native, unmodified proteins. The modified ADAMTS4 proteins can be expressed and isolated in large quantities, thus allowing further characterization of the proteins, such as crystallographic and enzyme kinetic studies. The purified, stable proteins would also facilitate the production of anti-ADAMTS antibodies and the development of inhibitors to ADAMTS enzymes.

Abstract: Novel polynucleotides and the proteins encoded thereby are disclosed.

Abstract: Purified human SDF-5 proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. DNA molecules encoding the human SDF-5 proteins are also disclosed. The proteins may be used in regulating the binding of Wnt genes to their receptor. In preferred embodiments, the proteins may be used for inducing formation, growth, differentiation, proliferation and/or maintenance of chondrocytes and/or cartilage tissue, and for other tissue repair, such as pancreatic tissue repair.

Abstract: Novel polynucleotides and the proteins encoded thereby are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides truncated biologically active ADAMTS polypeptides, particularly those with hyalectenase activity, and more particularly those with aggrecanase activity, that exhibit greater stability and homogeneity and higher expression yields than their full-length counterparts. The invention also provides nucleic acid molecules encoding such truncated biologically active ADAMTS polypeptides and methods for producing the truncated biologically active ADAMTS polypeptides. In addition, the invention provides methods for identifying compounds capable of modulating biologically active ADAMTS polypeptides, particularly those compounds that inhibit aggrecanase activity.

Abstract: The present invention features methods of using ADAMTS-8 proteins or their functional derivatives to cleave aggrecan or other proteoglycan molecules. The present invention also features methods for identifying ADAMTS-8 modulators that are capable of inhibiting or enhancing ADAMTS-8 proteolytic activities. In addition, the present invention features pharmaceutical compositions comprising ADAMTS-8 proteins or their derivatives or modulators. These pharmaceutical compositions can be used to treat diseases that are characterized by deficiencies or abnormalities in proteoglycan cleavage or metabolism.

Abstract: Novel polynucleotides and the proteins encoded thereby are disclosed.

Abstract: Novel polynucleotides and the proteins encoded thereby are disclosed.

Abstract: Purified Frazzled proteins, including WG67-16, WG67-19 and WA628, and processes for producing them are disclosed. DNA molecules encoding the Frazzled proteins, including WG67-16, WG67-19 and WA628, are also disclosed. The proteins may be used in modulating the binding of Wnt genes to their receptor. They are useful in the modulation of cellular formation, growth, differentiation, proliferation and/or maintenance of a variety of adult and embryonic tissues and organs.